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HPV -can it cause warts, cancer or both?
Sexual Activity
Skin-to-skin sexual contact. Condoms do not prevent all HPV exposure, as they do not prevent all genital skin contact.
Possible Symptoms
There are many strains of the HPV virus, some of which most people will clear without any signs and symptoms, some cause genital warts, and some ‘high risk’ HPVs are cancer-causing, including cervical, anal, vaginal and vulval cancer. Read more here.
Many people may not have any symptoms, but warts can be itchy, flat or raised, by themselves or in a group. The more concerning HPV cells can cause bleeding after sex, pain during sex, changes to your period, vaginal discharge and bleeding, and pain in your pelvis. Speak to your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.
Test
Cervical screening is the best recommended test for the presence of any HPV virus. If you have a cervix, have been sexually active (now or historically), and are between 25 and 74, having a screening test every 5years is recommended.
If you are living with HIV, and you are gay, bisexual or a transwoman, having an anal cancer screening is recommended for those aged 35 plus. For males or female aged 45 plus, this screening is also recommended for you.
Treatment
For most strains of HPV, no treatment is required as your body clears the virus. For genital warts, speak to your GP about options for treatment. Should HPV become cancer-causing, specialist care is required.
Vaccination
Yes, there is an HPV vaccination schedule that is recommended for young people between 9 and 25 years old, those with weakened immunity, and men who have sex with men. For young people, this vaccination schedule is free and often provided at school. For those 26 and above, who are not vaccinated and believe you are at risk, speak to your GP about your eligibility.
Herpes
Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Viruses (types 1 and 2). This is the same virus that causes cold sores. HSV-2, most often found in the genital area, causing blisters and cysts, can often be confused with Human Papilloma Virus, which causes genital warts.
Sexual Activity
Skin to skin contact with someone who has the virus, typically through kissing, foreplay and oral sex (especially if blisters and sores are visible). Both HSV-1 and 2 can occur on all parts of the body; HSV-1is more commonly linked to cold sores on the face and lips, and HSV-2 causes more genital herpes.
Possible Symptoms
Stinging, itching in the genital region or mouth (and on the site of sexual contact), bumps and blisters, painful sores, sores that look like rashes, and difficulty doing a wee. Many people do not have symptoms or know that they have herpes, reinforcing the message that using barrier protection and regular sexual health testing is vital.
Test
If you present with a blister less than 4 days old, a swab can be used, but usually it relies on a blood test.
Treatment
Treatment is for symptoms, including using a topical anaesthetic for numbing associated pain of sores, pain medication like paracetamol, or speaking to your GP about anti-viral medication you can take.
Vaccination
There is no vaccination for Herpes Simplex Virus.
Health Implications
There is no cure for herpes, and symptoms can come back throughout one’s life, particularly when run down and stressed, so looking after your health and wellbeing is really important.
If you are pregnant, tell your doctor if you or your partner has genital herpes, especially if you are in your third trimester, so that the chance of the baby contracting herpes is reduced.
Have you heard of Mpox?
It is a new emerging STI that is currently most present in the communities of Men who have Sex with Men, and their sexual partners. Read more here.
Possible symptoms: Can include rash, sores, scabs, swollen lymph nodes, fever, chills, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, joint pain and exhaustion. Read more here.
Sexual activity: It is most often transmitted through direct skin contact with rash, sores or scabs, or sexual bodily fluids. It can also be transmitted through non-sexual contact including hugs, sharing a bed, and, less commonly, respiratory drops (from coughing and sneezing).
Test: Swabs of the area showing symptoms.
Treatment: For most people, treatment is managing the symptoms and staying hydrated. For those who are pregnant, immune-compromised or are young children, the health impacts can require further treatment.
Vaccination: It is important to think about whether you are at risk of contracting Mpox, as even if your partner is fully vaccinated (2 vaccinations), they can still be carriers of Mpox, and so unless you are also vaccinated, there is always a chance you may contract the virus. Find out here where you can get vaccinated.
You can be vaccinated after exposure to Mpox, with less chance of acquiring it, if you are vaccinated up to 4 days after exposure.
Health implications: Most people recover well, with possible risk of dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. Some serious complications can be experienced by some, but this is not common.
If you are pregnant or trying for a baby, it can be important to note that Mpox can be transmitted through the placenta.
If you are concerned about your sexual health, speak to your doctor or follow this link to find out more about comprehensive sexual health testing.
